Don’t charge or switch on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on aircraft: DGCA

Aviation regulator DGCA on Friday advised fliers not to turn on or charge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones on board a flight, following several incidents of the smartphone's battery exploding. "In the light of recent incidents involving battery issue with Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices globally, travelling public and airlines are advised to ensure not to turn on or charge Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone on board the aircraft," Director General for Civil Aviation B S Bhullar said in a public notice.

The DGCA also advised the travellers and air carriers not to stow them in any checked baggage. The decision to prohibit use or carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone on board an aircraft was for the safety of aircraft operations and its occupants, the DGCA said. Samsung had last week recalled its Galaxy Note 7 devices after finding some of their batteries exploding or catching fire. Samsung's Note 7s are being pulled from shelves in 10 countries, including South Korea and the US, just two weeks after it was launched.